SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The Southwest Minnesota State volleyball team closed out its non-conference schedule this evening with a 3-1 victory over the Augustana University Vikings, winning by scores of 25-20, 17-25, 25-12, 25-21.

As a result, SMSU improves to 19-3 overall, remaining 10-2 in the NSIC, while AU drops to 8-13 overall, and stays 5-7 in the conference. With the win, SMSU swept the season series against the Vikings.

Two SMSU attackers recorded double-digit kills in the win. Leah Jones led all Mustang attackers with 13 kills on .220 hitting (13-4-41) while adding a team-second 13 digs, and two block assists in her effort. Saari Kuehl shined again in the win, picking up 11 kills on .194 hitting (11-4-36). Jones dished out two assists in addition. Emma VanHeel found her rhythm this evening, hitting 7 kills with only two errors for .238 hitting.

Alisa Bengen had another impressive performance this afternoon. Bengen dished out 36 assists and tallied five kills on offense. Additionally, Bengen recorded 13 digs on the back line for the Mustangs.

McKenzie Tolk anchored the SMSU back line, snagging 16 digs and one service ace, while adding two assists on offense. Emily Strasser assisted on the back line, pitching 10 digs and one assist. Emma VanHeel would post a team-high five total blocks in the contest, followed by Brooklyn Kusler with three, and Karli Arkell and Leah Jones with two apiece.

SMSU recorded eight service aces in the match in comparison to just three posted by Augie. Augustana controlled all other box score statistics, tallying 50 assists to SMSU’s 41, 86 digs to 69 by SMSU, and out-killed the Mustangs 55-46.

Up next

The Mustangs return to conference play back at home, hosting Northern State (16-5, 8-4 NSIC), for its annual Red Out on Friday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m., and MSU Moorhead (7-14, 3-9 NSIC) on Saturday at 2 p.m.